"My conscience does not allow me to be silent anymore," she said. "If this can happen to someone like me, an established artist, then it can happen to any young woman and that concerns me gravely."

She said she had suffered sexual harassment from Mr Zafar "on more than one occasion", describing it as "an extremely traumatic experience".

"Ali is someone I have known for many years and someone who I have shared the stage with," she said. "I feel betrayed by his behaviour and his attitude."

Mr Zafar, who has won multiple awards for his music and starred in several Bollywood films, said in response: "I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law."

He added that he was "deeply aware and in support of the global #MeToo movement and what it stands for".

"I have nothing to hide," he said. "Silent is absolutely not an option."